This Japan-only monochrome Bentley does contrast nicely with the colourful cherry blossoms though.
Bentley has recently launched yet another limited run of Continental GTs. This time dubbed the Equinox Edition, these big British bruisers have been ‘expertly hand-crafted’ by its Mulliner personalisation division exclusively for the Japanese market.
Now ordinarily, this Japan-only Conti GT shouldn’t really be newsworthy because it is in essence just a slightly tarted up version of the standard car that will never even officially make it over here. It is nevertheless still worth taking some time to admire this Equinox Edition though, if not for the sole reason that the official press photos supplied by Bentley were really rather nice.
With the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the Osaka Castle in the background, this white Bentley Conti GT that is photographed here on the pristine Japanese tarmac really does look amazingly ace. Perhaps because this large British luxury car strikes such a sharp contrast (due to its aggressive stance), but yet still looks so at home with the surroundings (courtesy of its elegant overall aesthetic) in which it was photographed here.
Moving on to the more dull aspects of this Equinox Edition and discussing further on the exact specs of these limited run of Japanese Continental GTs, these Bentleys are all based around the central premise of ‘power and grace through simplicity’ and hence are only available in either a Black Onyx or Glacier White exterior hues. The ‘monochrome colour theme of black, silver and white’ continues on with the 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification alloy wheels which are finished in dark metallic Tungsten.
Just to add a bit of sportiness to the proceedings, these limited run Bentleys also feature the Styling Specification package. This in turn adds a high-gloss, black carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser boot lip spoiler and side sills branded with metal Bentley wings inlays, which are all then topped off with a hand-painted ‘rich silver contrast accent pinstripe’ on its edges.
Continuing on the subject of silver, this shimmering colour can also be found within with the contrast stitching on the diamond-quilted seats and steering wheel, in addition to being the secondary hide hue to the headrest and seat edge panels that elegantly complements the Beluga main hide. Other highlights within this monochrome themed interior includes deep pile Mulliner floor mats, custom Mulliner sill plates and ‘an elegant Mulliner logo inlay’ to be seen on the dual-tone passenger fascia.
As for what lies under the skin of the Equinox Edition Bentleys, these limited run Continental GTs feature the standard twin turbocharged V8 that outputs a healthy 550 PS and 770 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmissions which sends power to all four wheels, this luxury coupe can manage the century sprint in just 4.0 seconds and waft its way to a top speed of 318 km/h.
There has yet been any official word thus far on the price of these Japan-exclusive Continental GTs, but it is perhaps fair to say that these Equinox Edition cars would be a healthy premium over the almost ¥22,000,000 (RM 830,000) list price of the standard car over there. If there are any affluent Bentley enthusiast that do desire this Japan-exclusive car outside the Land of the Rising Sun however, the British premium marque will probably be all to happy to custom make one for you; if you show them a large enough wad of cash that is.
PRESS RELEASE: Bentley Mulliner has added to its new and expanding Collections portfolio with an expertly hand-crafted limited edition for the Japanese market – the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. Based around a monochrome colour theme of black, silver and white, the Equinox theme is one that brings power and grace through simplicity.
The exterior of the car has a powerful presence thanks to the contrasting monotone styling that accentuates the dynamic and powerful look of the Continental GT. The choice of powerful black Onyx or icy cool Glacier White exterior paint highlights the sculpted body and sweeping power line that guides the eye along the stunning profile to the muscular rear haunch and down to the striking wheels below.
The aerodynamic performance of the Continental GT is complemented by the Styling Specification to the exterior. Made from specially commissioned, high gloss, black carbon-fibre, the Styling Specification consists of a front splitter, rear diffuser, boot lip spoiler and side sills branded with metal Bentley wings inlays.
To further enhance the exquisite lines and authoritative appearance of the Continental GT, Bentley Mulliner has applied a Moonbeam (a rich silver) contrast accent pinstripe to the edge of the carbon fibre pieces. The accent line is painted by hand and takes five days per car to apply. In addition the 22” Mulliner Driving Specification wheel is uniquely finished in dark metallic Tungsten paint.
Exacting Standards and Extraordinary Craftsmanship
The monochrome colour theme continues into the cabin of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition. The exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary features create a luxurious and sporting feel to the interior that is crafted with the highest attention to detail.
Bentley Mulliner signature craftsmanship is apparent throughout, showcasing painstaking attention to detail. Secondary silver accent hide to the headrest and seat edge panels elegantly complements the Beluga main hide. Contrast stitching in silver thread to the seats and steering wheel is mirrored in dual finish veneers featuring Piano Moonbeam over Grand Black. The painted veneer is sprayed by hand, with care taken to ensure that the amount of light reflected at different angles from the metallic paint surfaces are consistent panel to panel across the car set. The painted veneer of the passenger fascia is finished with an elegant Mulliner logo inlay.
The interior features have the power to delight and surprise – from mood lighting and illuminated sill plates, to refined silver accent stitches on the diamond quilted seats and deep pile Mulliner floor mats. Unique thread has been designed to be extremely durable and uses special dyes to maintain its colour to last for the lifespan of the vehicle. The thread is used for the contrast stitching elements and the embroidered Bentley wings logo on each headrest, each one being comprised of 4,500 stitches.
Uncompromised Performance and Luxury
Under the bonnet of the Continental GT V8 Equinox Editions is Bentley’s renowned twin-turbo V8 engine. The new-generation 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It also features dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the ‘V’ of the engine, together resulting in a top speed of 198 mph (318 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (0- 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds).
Spirited performance is complemented by refined efficiency, stemming partly from the ability of the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive. The seamless change happens in just 20 milliseconds and is imperceptible to customers. Stop-Start technology, which operates at ‘near-to-stop’ speeds, is also available.
The uncompromising attention to detail throughout the Continental GT V8 Equinox Edition creates a compelling statement of performance, luxury and automotive beauty that makes for exhilarating and extraordinary journeys.
